Method and system for presenting information

ABSTRACT

Presenting information includes receiving two-dimensional code information sent by a server, supplying power to the client device, displaying, using the first display, two-dimensional code images corresponding to the received two-dimensional code information, and controlling the displaying of the two-dimensional code images in the first display.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/833,473, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRESENTINGINFORMATION filed Aug. 24, 2015, which claims priority to People'sRepublic of China Patent Application No. 201410438109.3, entitled AMETHOD, A CLIENT, A SERVER, AND A SYSTEM FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION,filed Aug. 29, 2014 both of which are incorporated herein by referencefor all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a method and a system for presentinginformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As technology progresses, people have more ways to acquire information.Various ways of acquiring information, including scanningtwo-dimensional code (quick response (QR) code or two-dimensional code)images, have become increasingly popular. Two-dimensional codestypically provide the following benefits: large information capacity,broad range of coding, robust error tolerance, high speed of capture andrecognition, high level of confidentiality, etc. Two-dimensional codeshave applications in social messaging, information promotion, andvarious other industries.

Typically, two-dimensional codes include two-dimensional barcodes (orstacked linear barcodes) and matrix-type two-dimensional codes.Two-dimensional codes can be symbolic information that uses an imageincluding a specific geometric shape distributed based on a certainpattern on a plane (in two dimensions) in black and white to recorddata. For example, in applications that use two-dimensional codes topresent product information, a link information code for an onlineproduct can be coded as two-dimensional code information. Thetwo-dimensional code information is converted by two-dimensionalcode-generating software into a corresponding two-dimensional codeimage. The two-dimensional code image can be displayed in fliers,newspapers, and posters. A user can scan the two-dimensional code imageusing a mobile terminal and thereby link to an online target object,acquire promotional information relating to the target object, andreceive instructions to access the target object online. Thus, the usercan access online information using an offline two-dimensional code.

However, conventionally, the usual way of presenting target objectinformation using a two-dimensional code is to present thetwo-dimensional code on a paper medium. As a result of the printing andlayout limitations of paper, two-dimensional code information appearingon the paper media cannot be promptly updated. Also, the correspondinglypresented target object information or other information is difficult tobe promptly updated or remain synchronized with online activities. Whenthe two-dimensional code presentation is to be updated, typically newpaper media is to be issued. This technique not only wastes resources,but also involves a long information updating cycle. Accordingly, thetechnique wastes both time and effort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the followingdetailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a client forpresenting information.

FIG. 2 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a receivingand sending module.

FIG. 3 is a modular structural diagram of another embodiment of a clientfor presenting information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of presented product information.

FIG. 5 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a server forpresenting information.

FIG. 6 is a modular structural diagram of another embodiment of a serverfor presenting information.

FIG. 7 is a modular structural diagram of another embodiment of a serverfor presenting information.

FIG. 8 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a system forpresenting information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process for presentinginformation.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a process for presentinginformation.

FIG. 11 is a functional diagram illustrating an embodiment of aprogrammed computer system for presenting information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as aprocess; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a computerprogram product embodied on a computer readable storage medium; and/or aprocessor, such as a processor configured to execute instructions storedon and/or provided by a memory coupled to the processor. In thisspecification, these implementations, or any other form that theinvention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, theorder of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within thescope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, a component such as aprocessor or a memory described as being configured to perform a taskmay be implemented as a general component that is temporarily configuredto perform the task at a given time or a specific component that ismanufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term ‘processor’refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing coresconfigured to process data, such as computer program instructions.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention isprovided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate theprinciples of the invention. The invention is described in connectionwith such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to anyembodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims andthe invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications andequivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the followingdescription in order to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and theinvention may be practiced according to the claims without some or allof these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the inventionhas not been described in detail so that the invention is notunnecessarily obscured.

As e-commerce develops, Online to Offline (O2O) transfer has becomeincreasingly popular. This transfer typically refers to the use ofonline marketing and online purchases to drive offline operations andoffline consumption. Some common approaches of the O2O transfer includediscounts, providing promotional information, and service booking. Forexample, merchants' product information is pushed to Internet users whoare converted into the merchants' offline customers. One of theimportant operations in the O2O transfer includes guiding users onlineand thereupon shifting the users from online to offline based on offlineinformation presentation channels (including two-dimensional codeimages) and various offline promotional events, thus spurring offlinesales. A client for presenting information is provided. Not only can theclient present product two-dimensional code images and promptly updatethe presented two-dimensional code images, but also the two-dimensionalcode images can be integrated with a specific product and thus achievesynchronization with merchants' online product information. In someembodiments, the client for presenting information corresponds to aportable electronic tag that is placed next to promotional products anddisplays online event information of the promotional products.

FIG. 1 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a client forpresenting information. In some embodiments, the client 100 isconfigured to implement a process 1000 of FIG. 10 and comprises: areceiving and sending module 110, a power supply module 120, a firstdisplaying module 130, and a controlling module 140. In some cases,client 100 can be placed next to a physical product displayed on ashelf.

In some embodiments, the receiving and sending module or communicationinterface 110 is configured to receive two-dimensional code informationsent by a server.

The receiving and sending module 110 can include a wireline or wirelessinterface such as a radio-frequency device configured to receivemessages sent by the server. In some embodiments, the messages includeencoded two-dimensional code information relating to presented products,e.g., web page link addresses for products in a promotional event. Insome embodiments, the receiving and sending module 110 is configured toreceive, either wirelessly or by wire, a message sent by the server.

FIG. 2 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a receivingand sending module. In some embodiments, the receiving and sendingmodule 1100 is an implementation of the receiving and sending module 110of FIG. 1 and comprises a wired receiving and sending module 1110 and/ora wireless receiving and sending module 1120.

In some embodiments, the wired receiving and sending module 1110 isconfigured to connect with a server through a wire line, and receive amessage sent by the server.

In some embodiments, the wireless receiving and sending module 1120 isconfigured to connect with a server through a wireless communicationnetwork, and receive a message sent by the server.

For example, the wired receiving and sending module 1110 includes anEthernet interface that is connected to a server through a wire line andconfigured to receive a message sent by the server. The wirelessreceiving and sending module 1120 includes a radio-frequency unit thatuses wireless fidelity (WiFi), 3G/4G, Bluetooth, infrared, or otherwireless communication networks to connect to a server and configured toreceive a message sent by the server. Referring back to FIG. 1, clients100 that are connected with the server through a wireless communicationnetwork can flexibly and conveniently present information in differentlocations such as shopping centers, counters, conference sites, andother presentation areas. The receiving and sending module 110 caninclude one or more of the wired receiving and sending module 1110 andthe wireless receiving and sending module or wireless communicationinterface 1120. The receiving and sending module 110 can also includeboth the wired receiving and sending module or wired communicationinterface 1110 and the wireless receiving and sending module 1120.

In some embodiments, the receiving and sending module 110 connects withthe server wirelessly or by wire to receive a message sent by theserver, and is not limited to the receiving and sending module 110 beingdirectly connected to the server. In some embodiments, the receiving andsending module 110 can also be indirectly connected with the server. Forexample, the wireless receiving and sending module 1120 of FIG. 2 canestablish a connection with a router or a hub based on WiFi and thenconnect to a server through the router or hub by the wire line.

The message received by the receiving and sending module 110 can includethe two-dimensional code information. The two-dimensional code caninclude link information that links to a page where a merchant presentsits products. For example, a webpage relating to a product presented bya merchant can be a webpage for a skincare product that is being sold ata 50% discount for the day. The server can generate two-dimensional codeinformation linking to the product page relating to this skincareproduct's 50% discount sale using existing library functions such as thePHP QR Code library, and send the two-dimensional code information viaone or more data packets. The receiving and sending module 110 canreceive the two-dimensional code information including a product pagerelating to the skincare product's 50% discount sale.

In some embodiments, the power supply module 120 is configured to supplypower for the client 100. The power supply module 120 can include adevice module that supplies power by accessing a power grid. The powersupply module 120 can also include a general or specialized device forsupplying power via a dry cell or storage battery. A power supplymodular structure which, for example, simultaneously includes a normalpower supply from the power grid and a storage battery for backup powersupply can also be employed.

In some embodiments, the first displaying module 130 is configured todisplay two-dimensional code images corresponding to the two-dimensionalcode information received by the receiving and sending module 110. Thedisplayed two-dimensional code images can include differenttwo-dimensional code images presented based on different two-dimensionalcode information received from the server. Flexibility and availabilityof the presentation information are increased with respect to those ofordinary paper two-dimensional code images. In various applicationscenarios, displaying modules can correspond with different displayequipment. The displaying modules can include electronic display screensor electronic tags. The electronic display screens or electronic tagscan include electronic display equipment such as a light-emitting diodes(LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc. The electronicdisplay screen includes evenly arranged rows and columns of displayelements (e.g., LED-based pixels), and exhibits specific pixels as litor unlit on the electronic display screen based on the receivedinformation or can exhibit different colors of pixels, to display atwo-dimensional code image corresponding to the two-dimensional codeinformation.

In some embodiments, the controlling module 140 is configured to controlthe display of the two-dimensional code images in the first displayingmodule 130. The controlling module 140 processes the two-dimensionalcode information received by the receiving and sending module 110 andcontrols the display of the two-dimensional code information in thetwo-dimensional code images in the first displaying module 130. Forexample, the two-dimensional code information received by the receivingand sending module 110 can be in a predetermined format which is aJavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data format. The controlling module140 acquires the corresponding two-dimensional code informationcorresponding with data structure rules of the JSON data format of apredetermined format. The controlling module 140 converts thetwo-dimensional code information to an information format which thefirst displaying module 130 can recognize and then sends thetwo-dimensional code information to the first displaying module 130. Thecontrolling module 140 can control the display of the two-dimensionalcode information through the displaying module 130. In an example, thecontrolling module 140 receives the two-dimensional code imagecorresponding to the two-dimensional code information and controls itsdisplay position in the first displaying module 130, its display colorand brightness, its display duration, etc. The controlling module 140can control the display by the first displaying module 130 ofblack-and-white two-dimensional code images. In some embodiments, thecontrolling module 140 can also control the display of thetwo-dimensional code images in colors other than black and white.

The client 100 can receive two-dimensional code information sent by aserver and display the received two-dimensional code information inperipheral display equipment such as an electronic display screen. Theclient 100 can exhibit different two-dimensional code images based ondifferent two-dimensional code information received from the server.Two-dimensional code information can be promptly updated when a productis sold out, a special offer event is modified, or product informationchanges. The two-dimensional code images can be dynamically and promptlyupdated.

In some embodiments, to more effectively guide offline users in scanningtwo-dimensional images, client 300 of FIG. 3 is provided. FIG. 3 is amodular structural diagram of another embodiment of a client forpresenting information. In some embodiments, the client 300 includes areceiving and sending module or communication interface 310, a powersupply module 320, a first displaying module 330, and a controllingmodule 340, and further includes a second displaying module 350. In somecases, client 300 can be placed next to a physical product displayed ona shelf. For example, client 300 is attached to a dress sold in a mallby known means (e.g., a clip).

In some embodiments, the receiving and sending module 310, the powersupply module 320, the first displaying module 330, and the controllingmodule 340 corresponds to the receiving and sending module 110, thepower supply module 120, the first displaying module 130, and thecontrolling module 140 of FIG. 1, respectively.

In some embodiments, the second displaying module 350 is configured todisplay operating information for products corresponding totwo-dimensional code images displayed by the first displaying module330.

Correspondingly, the receiving and sending module 310 is furtherconfigured to receive operating information sent by a server, and thecontrolling module 340 is further configured to control the displayingof the operating information on the second displaying module 350.

In some embodiments, the operating information includes text, symbols,product price information, promotional information, purchasinginformation, advertising, and other such information that can enableusers to visually grasp the product exhibited by the two-dimensionalcode information-exhibiting client 300. For example, the seconddisplaying module 350 can exhibit the text corresponding to a product'spromotional information, such as “This style is being offered at a 50%discount,” “Same style online, $49,” “Scan a code to enter prizedrawing! 100 names drawn daily,” etc. With the second displaying module350, the user can, through the client 300, gain a real-time, intuitiveunderstanding of special offers, promotions, drawings, group purchases,and other such information related to the presented products. Becausethe user gets extra information about the products while he/she isbrowsing for physical products, the user will more likely participate inthe presented product event. In addition, the client 300 providesbenefits in actual application scenarios. In other words, by presentingoperating information on the client 300, maintaining informationsynchronization with online event products is possible. The operatinginformation can include corresponding online product real-timeinformation. For example, a server can present price information,purchasing information, promotional information, and other suchproduct-related operating information that is presented on an onlinepage client browser and likewise present the information on a client inreal time and thus achieve synchronized online/offline updating of theproduct operating information. For example, in an application scenario,a product is being sold online for a limited time at a discount. Theserver can present the product's promotional information (“Same styleonline, $49”) in the corresponding online product page. At the sametime, the server can send the product's promotional information to theclient 300 in a brick-and-mortar shop. The client 300 presents theproduction promotional information “Same style online, $49” offline(e.g., displaying the production promotional information on the shelfdisplaying the physical product). The client 300 thus achievesinformation synchronization of the product in online and offline events.The server can generate corresponding operating information on an onlinepage. At the same time, the server can also send additional specialoffer information to the client 300 of the brick-and-mortar shop. Theclient 300 can update the original operating information “Same styleonline, $49” to “Same style online for $49, $29 off immediately forpurchases of $100 or more.” Thus, in addition to the promotional priceof $49 for the product, $29 is subtracted from purchases of at least 100dollars. In this way, the offline client 300 can achieve informationsynchronization in real time with offline products. A user shopping in abrick-and-mortar shop can acquire the latest product information andpromotions in real time. Needs are matched quickly, and the user isaccurately guided to purchase the product. The user can be drawn onlineby scanning the two-dimensional code on the client 300. Thus, the useris converted much more effectively from offline to online.

In some embodiments, the first displaying module 330 and the seconddisplaying module 350 can correspond to different display devicesseparately displaying the two-dimensional code image and the operatinginformation. As an example, two electronic display screens are used toseparately display a product's two-dimensional code image and theproduct's associated promotional and special offer information. In someembodiments, the first displaying module 330 and the second displayingmodule 350 can be the same display device partitioned into differentdisplay modules based on the display content of different display areas.As an example, a left half of an electronic display screen presents aproduct's two-dimensional code image (first displaying module 330),while a right half presents promotional and special offer information(second displaying module 350). In other words, the first displayingmodule 330 and the second displaying module 350 can jointly use the samedisplaying device hardware.

In some embodiments, the client 300 is provided. The client 300 includesa receiving and sending module 310 further configured to receiveinteractive messages from a server. Correspondingly, the controllingmodule 340 can send an interactive message to the first displayingmodule 330, the second displaying module 350, or a combination thereof.The first displaying module 330, the second displaying module 350, or acombination thereof can display the interactive message.

In some embodiments, the received interactive messages includeinteractive messages sent by a server to clients based on user behaviorand integrated with product information, promotional information, andother such information. For example, when a user scans a two-dimensionalcode image using a device such as a smartphone or tablet, thetwo-dimensional code is decoded by a scanning application and one ormore links to the corresponding page are obtained. The user may selectthe links using a browser or application. Thus, the receiving andsending module 310 can receive an interactive message relating to, forexample, “Thank you for your interest!” or “You are the 24th customer topre-order this product. Just 6 more people for a group purchase!” Theinteractive messages can include emotions, symbols, pictures, or othersuch information. For example, a smiley face emoticon message can beadded at the end of a sent interactive message.

In some embodiments, the controlling module 340 can be furtherconfigured to, after the first displaying module 330, the seconddisplaying module 350, or a combination thereof displays an interactivemessage for a predetermined length of time, display the informationpresented prior to the interactive message (e.g., the original QR code).The controlling module 340 can display the interactive message in thesecond displaying module 350 for a predetermined length of time. In someembodiments, the interactive message can be displayed in the firstdisplaying module 330 for a predetermined length of time. After thefirst displaying module 330 or second displaying module 350 displays theinteractive message for a predetermined length of time, the interactivemessage can continue to display the original two-dimensional code imageor operating information. For example, in an application scenario, thecontrolling module 340 can, after the user has scanned thetwo-dimensional code image, take the operating information “This styleis discounted by 30% with a 30-person purchasing group!” which isdisplayed by the second displaying module 350 corresponding to theinteractive message received by the receiving and sending module 310 andinstead display “You are the 25th customer to pre-order this product. 5more to go for a purchasing group!” Moreover, the interactive messagecan maintain the display for the predetermined length of time of 10seconds. Then, the second displaying module 350 can continue to displaythe previous operating information: “This style is discounted 30% with a30-person purchasing group!”

The client 300 can receive an interactive message sent by a server andform real-time interactions with a user at the front end. This client300 can increase user interest in participating in events that presentproduct information. This client 300 can increase the number of usersthat are actually drawn from offline to online and can promote thedevelopment of O2O e-commerce.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of presented product information. Theclient can present a two-dimensional code image of a product on the leftside of the electronic display screen of the display presenting modulebased on received two-dimensional code information from the server andupdate the two-dimensional image in real time. Unlike with conventionalpaper media, this client provides the ability to update two-dimensionalimages in real time. The client can also dynamically present operatinginformation for the product information. Examples of the operatinginformation include prices, discounts, and other operating informationrelating to the presented product. Moreover, the operating informationof the online server can be synchronized in real time, which allows theacquisition of the latest product information through direct perceptionfor users. Furthermore, the client can further present interactivemessages that are associated with or correspond to user actions and thatinteract with users in real time. This client makes the user'sexperience of participating in the product presenting event moreenjoyable and increases user satisfaction.

A server for presenting information is provided. The server can managethe client and maintain correspondences between the clients andinformation presented by the clients. In addition, the server canperform communications and information exchanges with the clients. FIG.5 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a server forpresenting information. In some embodiments, the server 500 isconfigured to implement the process 1000 of FIG. 10 and comprises: aclient database 510, a presenting information database 520, and asending module 530.

In some embodiments, the client database 510 is configured to storecommunication addresses of clients for presenting information. Thecommunication addresses can include IP addresses, MAC addresses, orother such addresses that indicate the addresses of the clients forpresenting information. The communication addresses can also includeother identifier information, such as port numbers especially set up fordifferent communication addresses, which are used by the clients forpresenting information and that can label these clients for presentinginformation. The server for presenting information can sendtwo-dimensional code information to the clients based on thecommunication addresses of the clients. In some embodiments, the clientdatabase 510 can be further configured to store other informationassociated with the clients, e.g., physical locations, operatingstatuses, etc. of the clients. The database information can bepreconfigured; for example, when clients are deployed for a merchant'sbrick-and-mortar store.

In some embodiments, the presenting information database 520 isconfigured to store the two-dimensional code information generated forclients. The two-dimensional code information can includetwo-dimensional code information linked to pages for products presentedby the clients. For example, a program can be implemented on a server,which receives product discounting and promotional page information forvarious products, to generate the two-dimensional code information thatlinks to product discounting and promotional pages based on discount andpromotional information of the presented product. Moreover, the servercan store the two-dimensional code information. In addition, the servercan store other information related to the presented product, e.g., thecurrent number of product buyers, random codes usable for other drawingevents that are generated following purchase of the product, etc. Insome embodiments, the two-dimensional code information, such as a QRcode, a bar code, etc., corresponds to two-dimensional code imageinformation generated based on the presented product information. Insome embodiments, the sending unit 530 is configured to send thetwo-dimensional code image information for the product. In someembodiments, the two-dimensional code information can also betwo-dimensional code information generated based on the presentedproduct information. Correspondingly, the sending unit 530 can send thetwo-dimensional code information for the product, and the clients canreceive the two-dimensional code information and then generatetwo-dimensional code images corresponding to the two-dimensional codeinformation.

In some embodiments, the presenting information database 520 isconfigured to store correspondences between the clients and thetwo-dimensional code information. The correspondences between theclients and the two-dimensional code information that are stored by thepresenting information database 520 can include correspondences betweenclient communication addresses and the two-dimensional code information,or correspondences between client identifiers and the two-dimensionalcode information. Table 1 below is an example of a table ofcorrespondences between clients and two-dimensional code information.

Client serial Communication Two-dimensional code number addressinformation A_NUM_001 92.168.10.1 http://example.com/ha1 (HouseholdAppliance 1 promotional link page) A_NUM_002 92.168.10.2http://example.com/ha2 (Household Appliance 2 promotional link page)A_NUM_003 92.168.10.3 http://example.com/ha3 (Household Appliance 3promotional link page) A_NUM_004 92.168.10.4 http://example.com/ha4(Household Appliance 4 promotional link page) B_NUM_001 92.168.20.1http://example.com/gp (Group purchase link page) B_NUM_002 92.168.20.2http://example.com/prize (Link page for code-scan prize drawing)B_NUM_003 92.168.20.3 http://example.com/bf (Black Friday pre-order linkpage) B_NUM_004 92.168.20.4 http://example.com/reg (Member registrationlink page)

In some embodiments, the sending module 530 is configured to sendtwo-dimensional code information to the clients based on thecommunication addresses of the clients and the correspondences betweenthe clients and the two-dimensional code information stored by thepresenting information database 520.

The correspondences between the clients and the two-dimensional codeinformation stored in the client database 510 and the presentinginformation database 520 in a server can be added, deleted, modified, orundergo other operation based on changes in client communicationaddresses or changes in product information. For example, the sendingmodule 530 sends two-dimensional code information to different clientsbased on the correspondence table. For example, when the purchasinggroup event for the first product is presented by the client whoseclient serial number is “B NUM 001” and whose communication address is“192.168.20.1,” the presenting information database 520 generatestwo-dimensional code information for a second product group purchasingevent, and the client corresponds in the correspondence table to the onewith client serial number “B NUM 001” and communication address“192.168.20.1”. The sending module 530 is configured to, based on the“192.168.20.1” communication address of the client, send thetwo-dimensional code information of the second product to the clientwhose client serial number is “B NUM 001.”

In another embodiment of a client, a module for the correspondence tablecan be independently set up and maintained and used to update thetwo-dimensional code information corresponding to the clients. The basicconcept thereof does not depart from the following scope described bythe present application: a server includes correspondences betweenclients and presented information, and these correspondences can undergoaddition, deletion, and revision based on product information, clientinformation, and other such information. A server sends two-dimensionalcode information to various clients based on the correspondences betweenthe clients and the presented information. The two-dimensional codeinformation is displayed on the client display device upon reception.When the two-dimensional code information changes, updatedtwo-dimensional code information can be promptly sent to clients. Theclients' two-dimensional code images can be quickly, accurately, andpromptly updated. The updating of the information displayed by theclients can be completed, thus increasing the efficiency with whichinformation is presented by the clients.

FIG. 6 is a modular structural diagram of another embodiment of a serverfor presenting information. In some embodiments, the server 600comprises: a client database 610, a presenting information database 620,a sending module 630, and an operating information bank 640.

In some embodiments, the client database 610, the presenting informationdatabase 620, and the sending module 630 correspond to the clientdatabase 510, the presenting information database 520, and the sendingmodule 530 of FIG. 5, respectively.

In some embodiments, the operating information bank 640 is configured tostore product operating information.

Correspondingly, the presenting information database 620 is configuredto store correspondences between the clients and the operatinginformation, and the sending module 630 is configured to send operatinginformation to the clients based on the communication addresses of theclients and the correspondences between the clients and the operatinginformation.

Table 2 below is an example of a table including correspondences betweenthe clients and the operating information that are stored in thepresenting information database 620. As shown in Table 2 below, theserver can send different operating information to different clients.The operating information can be added, deleted, or revised based onchanges in product information.

TABLE 2 Correspondences between clients and operating information Clientserial Communication Two-dimensional code number address informationOperating information A_NUM_001 192.168.10.1 http://example.com/ha1Household Appliance 1 20% (Household Appliance 1 discount promotionallink page) A_NUM_002 192.168.10.2 http://example.com/ha2 HouseholdAppliance 2 20% (Household Appliance 2 discount promotional link page)A_NUM_003 192.168.10.3 http://example.com/ha3 Household Appliance 3 40%(Household Appliance 3 discount promotional link page) A_NUM_004192.168.10.4 http://example.com/ha4 Household Appliance 4 online(Household Appliance 4 30% discount promotional link page) B_NUM_001192.168.20.1 http://example.com/gp Online 50% discount for group (Grouppurchase link purchase of this style, 30 page) persons qualifies asgroup B_NUM_002 192.168.20.2 http://example.com/prize Scan me to takepart in prize (Link page for code-scan drawing, 100% prize-winning prizedrawing) rate B_NUM_003 192.168.20.3 http://example.com/bf 50% discounton pre-orders of (Black Friday pre-order this style until September 30link page) B_NUM_004 192.168.20.4 http://example.com/reg Register forrebate, minimum (Member registration link rebate of 10 dollars couponpage)

The operating information can include textual introductory informationthat is for presenting introductions of the product corresponding to thetwo-dimensional code image on clients. In some embodiments, the servernot only sends two-dimensional code information to the clients, but alsocan simultaneously send operating information for the presented productof the clients. The receiving of the operating information can cause theclients to display textual introductory information for the presentedproduct so that users can intuitively and quickly grasp the productevent information.

FIG. 7 is a modular structural diagram of another embodiment of a serverfor presenting information. In some embodiments, the server 700comprises: a client database 710, a presenting information database 720,a sending module 730, an operating information bank 740, and aninteractive message bank 750.

In some embodiments, the client database 710, the presenting informationdatabase 720, the sending module 730, and the operating information bank740 correspond to the client database 610, the presenting informationdatabase 620, the sending module 630, and the operating information bank640 of FIG. 6, respectively.

In some embodiments, the interactive message bank 750 is configured tostore interactive messages.

In some embodiments, correspondingly, the presenting informationdatabase 720 is configured to store correspondences between the clientsand the interactive messages, and the sending module 730 is configuredto send, when a preset trigger condition is satisfied, the interactivemessages to the clients based on the communication addresses of theclients and the correspondences between the clients and the interactivemessages.

The preset trigger condition can include a determination condition thatwas set in advance and that is used to determine whether to send aninteractive message. For example, the trigger condition can includedetecting that a user has scanned the two-dimensional code image of aclient and linked to a product page via the two-dimensional codeinformation. The server can be triggered to send an interactive messageto clients that were scanned by users. For example, the server can sendthe interactive message “Thank you for your interest!” Interactivemessages can include information formed based on data acquired fromother data modules of the server or other services. For example, awebsite server for user scanning and pre-purchasing can send to theserver information based on the user being the 24th user in the currentgroup purchase, and the server can send the interactive message “You arethe 24th customer to pre-purchase this product. Just 6 more and thegroup purchase can be made!” based on the information sent by thewebsite server.

The server 700 can send interactive messages to clients and formreal-time interactions with users at the front end. The sending of theinteractive messages to the clients can increase user interest inparticipating in events that present product information, can increasesatisfaction with user participation experiences, and increase thenumber of users that convert from offline to online.

FIG. 8 is a modular structural diagram of an embodiment of a system forpresenting information. In some embodiments, the system 800 includesclients 810 for presenting information and a server 820 for presentinginformation.

In some embodiments, the clients 810 are configured to receivetwo-dimensional code information sent by a server, and displaytwo-dimensional code images corresponding to the receivedtwo-dimensional code information.

In some embodiments, the server 820 is configured to store communicationaddresses of the clients 810, generate and store two-dimensional codeinformation, store correspondences between the clients and thetwo-dimensional code information, and send the two-dimensional codeinformation to the clients based on the communication addresses of theclients and the correspondences between the clients and thetwo-dimensional code information.

In some embodiments, the server 820 is configured to store operatinginformation and correspondences between the clients 810 and theoperating information, and send the operating information to the clients810 based on the stored communication addresses of the clients 810 andthe correspondences between the clients 810 and the operatinginformation.

In some embodiments, correspondingly, the clients 810 are configured toreceive the operating information and display the operating informationin displaying modules of the clients 810.

In some embodiments, the server 820 is configured to store interactivemessages and correspondences between the clients 810 and the interactivemessages, and send the interactive messages to the clients 810 based onthe stored communication addresses of the clients 810 and thecorrespondences between the clients 810 and the interactive messages.

In some embodiments, correspondingly, the clients 810 are configured toreceive the interactive messages and display the interactive messages inthe displaying modules of the clients 810.

The system 800 includes the following: the clients 810 are configured todynamically display product two-dimensional code information, and theserver 820 is configured to, when the server 820 updates online productinformation, send updated two-dimensional code information, operatinginformation, and other such information to clients in brick-and-mortarshops. The clients can promptly and accurately display thetwo-dimensional images and the operating information. Not only does thesystem 800 conserve paper resources, but also the system 800 canincrease the efficiency of brick-and-mortar shop presentations, guideusers to online consumption, increase offline-to-online conversionrates, and achieve more satisfactory results in attracting and guidingcustomers.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process for presentinginformation. In some embodiments, the process 900 is performed by theserver 820 of FIG. 8 and comprises:

In 910, the server sends two-dimensional code information to clientsbased on stored communication addresses of the clients andcorrespondences between the clients and the two-dimensional codeinformation.

In some embodiments, the clients receive the two-dimensional codeinformation and convert the two-dimensional code information intocorresponding two-dimensional code images.

The server prestores operating information and correspondences betweenthe clients and the operating information.

In 920, the server sends the operating information to the clients basedon the communication addresses of the clients and correspondencesbetween the clients and the operating information.

Correspondingly, the clients can receive the operating information anddisplay the operating information.

The server prestores interactive messages and correspondences betweenthe clients and the interactive messages.

In 930, the server sends interactive messages to the clients based onthe communication addresses of the clients and the correspondencesbetween the clients and the interactive messages.

Correspondingly, the clients are configured to receive the interactivemessages and display the interactive messages.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a process for presentinginformation. In some embodiments, the process 1000 is performed by aclient 810 of FIG. 8 and comprises:

In 1010, the client receives two-dimensional code information sent froma server in real time.

In 1020, the client generates and displays a correspondingtwo-dimensional code image based on the received two-dimensional codeinformation. The two-dimensional code information presented by theclient can be promptly updated.

In some embodiments, clients correspond to portable electronic devicessuch as small electronic tags that are presented together with thepresented product or information-presenting electronic signs. A portableelectronic device having a communication connection with a server isprovided.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is configured to beattached (e.g., by a clip) to a first offline item and attached to asecond offline item. In some embodiments, the portable electronic deviceincludes a display screen. Because the first and second offline itemscan be removed from the portable electronic device, this means that theportable electronic device can be attached to other offline items.

In some embodiments, the display screen is configured to display, whenthe portable electronic device is joined with the first item, a firsttwo-dimensional code image relating to the first item and being pushedby a server. The first two-dimensional code image is scannable by ascanning device to acquire first item information relating online to thefirst item.

In some embodiments, the display screen is further configured todisplay, when the portable electronic device is joined with a seconditem, a second two-dimensional code image relating to the second itemand being pushed by a server. The second two-dimensional code image isscannable by a scanning device to acquire second item informationrelating online to the second item.

The above first item and second item can be understood as pointing to aplurality of offline items. In some embodiments, any combination of athird item, a fourth item, and other items can be displayed ascorresponding a third two-dimensional code image, a fourthtwo-dimensional code image, and other two-dimensional code images. Forexample, an actual product presentation can include 100 items, one itemof which can be regarded as the first item and another item cancorrespondingly be regarded as the second item.

In some embodiments, the display screen is further configured todisplay, when connected to the first item, first operating informationrelating to the first item and being pushed by the server.

In some embodiments, the display screen is further configured todisplay, when connected to the second item, second operating informationrelating to the second item and being pushed by the server.

In some embodiments, the display screen is further configured todisplay, when connected to the first item, a first interactive messagerelating to the first item and being pushed by the server.

In some embodiments, the display screen is further configured todisplay, when connected to the second item, a second interactive messagerelating to the second item and being pushed by the server.

As provided, clients can receive two-dimensional code information sentfrom a server in real time, generate corresponding two-dimensional codeimages, and promptly update the two-dimensional code information. Inaddition, the clients can also present promotional information forproducts, and synchronize the promotional information for the productswith online products in real time so that users and customers canacquire product information intuitively, quickly, and accurately.Customers can be effectively guided towards participating in onlineevents. In addition, the present application can also form interactiveexchanges with users at the client and can increase satisfaction of theexperience of users participating in events.

FIG. 11 is a functional diagram illustrating an embodiment of aprogrammed computer system for presenting information. As will beapparent, other computer system architectures and configurations can beused to present information. Computer system 1100, which includesvarious subsystems as described below, includes at least onemicroprocessor subsystem (also referred to as a processor or a centralprocessing unit (CPU)) 1102. For example, processor 1102 can beimplemented by a single-chip processor or by multiple processors. Insome embodiments, processor 1102 is a general purpose digital processorthat controls the operation of the computer system 1100. Usinginstructions retrieved from memory 1110, the processor 1102 controls thereception and manipulation of input data, and the output and display ofdata on output devices (e.g., display 1118).

Processor 1102 is coupled bi-directionally with memory 1110, which caninclude a first primary storage, typically a random access memory (RAM),and a second primary storage area, typically a read-only memory (ROM).As is well known in the art, primary storage can be used as a generalstorage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be used to storeinput data and processed data. Primary storage can also storeprogramming instructions and data, in the form of data objects and textobjects, in addition to other data and instructions for processesoperating on processor 1102. Also as is well known in the art, primarystorage typically includes basic operating instructions, program code,data and objects used by the processor 1102 to perform its functions(e.g., programmed instructions). For example, memory 1110 can includeany suitable computer-readable storage media, described below, dependingon whether, for example, data access needs to be bi-directional oruni-directional. For example, processor 1102 can also directly and veryrapidly retrieve and store frequently needed data in a cache memory (notshown).

A removable mass storage device 1112 provides additional data storagecapacity for the computer system 1100, and is coupled eitherbi-directionally (read/write) or uni-directionally (read only) toprocessor 1102. For example, storage 1112 can also includecomputer-readable media such as magnetic tape, flash memory, PC-CARDS,portable mass storage devices, holographic storage devices, and otherstorage devices. A fixed mass storage 1120 can also, for example,provide additional data storage capacity. The most common example ofmass storage 1120 is a hard disk drive. Mass storages 1112, 1120generally store additional programming instructions, data, and the likethat typically are not in active use by the processor 1102. It will beappreciated that the information retained within mass storages 1112 and1120 can be incorporated, if needed, in standard fashion as part ofmemory 1110 (e.g., RAM) as virtual memory.

In addition to providing processor 1102 access to storage subsystems,bus 1114 can also be used to provide access to other subsystems anddevices. As shown, these can include a display monitor 1118, a networkinterface 1116, a keyboard 1104, and a pointing device 1106, as well asan auxiliary input/output device interface, a sound card, speakers, andother subsystems as needed. For example, the pointing device 1106 can bea mouse, stylus, track ball, or tablet, and is useful for interactingwith a graphical user interface.

The network interface 1116 allows processor 1102 to be coupled toanother computer, computer network, or telecommunications network usinga network connection as shown. For example, through the networkinterface 1116, the processor 1102 can receive information (e.g., dataobjects or program instructions) from another network or outputinformation to another network in the course of performingmethod/process steps. Information, often represented as a sequence ofinstructions to be executed on a processor, can be received from andoutputted to another network. An interface card or similar device andappropriate software implemented by (e.g., executed/performed on)processor 1102 can be used to connect the computer system 1100 to anexternal network and transfer data according to standard protocols. Forexample, various process embodiments disclosed herein can be executed onprocessor 1102, or can be performed across a network such as theInternet, intranet networks, or local area networks, in conjunction witha remote processor that shares a portion of the processing. Additionalmass storage devices (not shown) can also be connected to processor 1102through network interface 1116.

An auxiliary I/O device interface (not shown) can be used in conjunctionwith computer system 1100. The auxiliary I/O device interface caninclude general and customized interfaces that allow the processor 1102to send and, more typically, receive data from other devices such asmicrophones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, tapereaders, voice or handwriting recognizers, biometrics readers, cameras,portable mass storage devices, and other computers.

The computer system shown in FIG. 11 is but an example of a computersystem suitable for use with the various embodiments disclosed herein.Other computer systems suitable for such use can include additional orfewer subsystems. In addition, bus 1114 is illustrative of anyinterconnection scheme serving to link the subsystems. Other computerarchitectures having different configurations of subsystems can also beutilized.

The modules described above can be implemented as software componentsexecuting on one or more general purpose processors, as hardware such asprogrammable logic devices and/or Application Specific IntegratedCircuits designed to perform certain functions or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the modules can be embodied by a form of softwareproducts which can be stored in a nonvolatile storage medium (such asoptical disk, flash storage device, mobile hard disk, etc.), including anumber of instructions for making a computer device (such as personalcomputers, servers, network equipment, etc.) implement the methodsdescribed in the embodiments of the present invention. The modules maybe implemented on a single device or distributed across multipledevices. The functions of the modules may be merged into one another orfurther split into multiple sub-modules.

The methods or algorithmic steps described in light of the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be implemented using hardware, processor-executedsoftware modules, or combinations of both. Software modules can beinstalled in random-access memory (RAM), memory, read-only memory (ROM),electrically programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM,registers, hard drives, removable disks, CD-ROM, or any other forms ofstorage media known in the technical field.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detailfor purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limitedto the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementingthe invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. (canceled)
 2. A client device, comprising: adisplay configured to: display a two-dimensional code image; displayoperating information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image;and display an interactive message; a communication interface configuredto: receive two-dimensional code information sent by a server; receivethe operating information sent by the server; and receive theinteractive message sent by the server; at least one processor coupledto the display, configured to: generate the two-dimensional code imagecorresponding to the received two-dimensional code information; controlthe displaying of the two-dimensional code image in the display; controlthe displaying of the operating information in the display; and outputthe interactive message to the display; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor and configured to provide the at least one processorwith instructions.
 3. The client device as described in claim 2, whereinto display the interactive message comprises to: display informationpresented prior to the displaying of the interactive message; anddisplay the interactive message for a predetermined length of time. 4.The client device as described in claim 2, wherein to receive thetwo-dimensional code information sent by the server comprises to:connect with the server through a wire line, and receive, using the wireline, a message sent by the server; or connect with the server through awireless communication network, and receive, using the wirelesscommunication network, a message sent by the server.
 5. A system,comprising: at least one processor configured to: store communicationaddresses of a plurality of clients in a client database; generate andstore two-dimensional code information in a presenting informationdatabase; generate and store operating information in an operatinginformation bank; generate and store interactive messages in thepresenting information database; store correspondences between theplurality of clients and the two-dimensional code information in acorrespondence bank; and store correspondences between the plurality ofclients and the operating information in the correspondence bank; acommunication interface configured to: send the two-dimensional codeinformation to the plurality of clients based on the communicationaddresses of the plurality of clients and the correspondences betweenthe plurality of clients and the two-dimensional code information; sendthe operating information to the plurality of clients based on thecommunication addresses of the plurality of clients and thecorrespondences between the plurality of clients and the operatinginformation; and send, when a preset trigger condition is satisfied, theinteractive messages to the plurality of clients based on thecommunication addresses of the plurality of clients and thecorrespondences between the plurality of clients and the interactivemessages; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor andconfigured to provide the at least one processor with instructions. 6.The system as described in claim 5, wherein to send the two-dimensionalcode information to the plurality of clients comprises to: connect withthe plurality of clients through a wire line, and send, using the wireline, a message to the plurality of clients; or connect with theplurality of clients through a wireless communication network, and send,using the wireless communication network, a message to the plurality ofclients.
 7. A system, comprising: a plurality of clients, at least oneclient comprising: at least one processor coupled to a display,configured to: control displaying of operating information in thedisplay; and output interactive message to the display; a communicationinterface configured to: receive two-dimensional code information sentby a server; receive the operating information sent by the server; andreceive the interactive message sent by the server; the display screenconfigured to: display a two-dimensional code image corresponding to thereceived two-dimensional code information; display the operatinginformation corresponding to the two-dimensional code image; and displaythe interactive message; and a memory coupled to the at least oneprocessor and configured to provide the at least one processor withinstructions; and the server, comprising: at least one processorconfigured to: store communication addresses of the plurality ofclients; generate and store two-dimensional code information; generateand store the operating information; and generate and store theinteractive messages; and store correspondences between the plurality ofclients and the two-dimensional code information; a communicationinterface configured to: send the two-dimensional code information tothe plurality of clients based on the communication addresses of theplurality of clients and the correspondences between the plurality ofclients and the two-dimensional code information; send the operatinginformation to the plurality of clients based on the communicationaddresses of the plurality of clients and the correspondences betweenthe plurality of clients and the operating information; and send, when apreset trigger condition is satisfied, the interactive messages to theplurality of clients based on the communication addresses of theplurality of clients and the correspondences between the plurality ofclients and the interactive messages; and a memory coupled to the atleast one processor and configured to provide the at least one processorwith instructions.
 8. The system as described in claim 7, wherein todisplay the interactive message comprises to: display informationpresented prior to the displaying of the interactive message; anddisplay the interactive message for a predetermined length of time. 9.The system as described in claim 7, wherein to receive thetwo-dimensional code information sent by the server comprises to:connect with the server through a wire line, and receive, using the wireline, a message sent by the server; or connect with the server through awireless communication network, and receive, using the wirelesscommunication network, a message sent by the server.
 10. The system asdescribed in claim 7, wherein to send the two-dimensional codeinformation to the plurality of clients comprises to: connect with theplurality of clients through a wire line, and send, using the wire line,a message to the plurality of clients; or connect with the plurality ofclients through a wireless communication network, and send, using thewireless communication network, a message to the plurality of clients.11. A method, comprising: storing communication addresses of a pluralityof clients in a client database; generating and storing two-dimensionalcode information in a presenting information database; generating andstoring operating information in an operating information bank;generating and storing interactive messages in the presentinginformation database; storing correspondences between the plurality ofclients and the two-dimensional code information in a correspondencebank; storing correspondences between the plurality of clients and theoperating information in the correspondence bank; sending thetwo-dimensional code information to the plurality of clients based onthe communication addresses of the clients and the correspondencesbetween the clients and the two-dimensional code information; sendingthe operating information to the plurality of clients based on thecommunication addresses of the plurality of clients and thecorrespondences between the plurality of clients and the operatinginformation; and sending, when a preset trigger condition is satisfied,the interactive messages to the plurality of clients based on thecommunication addresses of the plurality of clients and thecorrespondences between the plurality of clients and the interactivemessages.
 12. The method as described in claim 11, wherein the sendingof the two-dimensional code information to the plurality of clientscomprises: connecting with the plurality of clients through a wire line,and sending, using the wire line, a message to the plurality of clients;or connecting with the plurality of clients through a wirelesscommunication network, and sending, using the wireless communicationnetwork, a message to the plurality of clients.
 13. A portableelectronic device, comprising: at least one processor; a communicationinterface; a display screen configured to: display, when thecommunication interface is attached to a first item, a firsttwo-dimensional code image, first operating information, and a firstinteractive message relating to the first item and being pushed by aserver, the first two-dimensional code image being scannable by ascanning device to acquire first item information relating online to thefirst item; and display, when the communication interface is attached toa second item, a second two-dimensional code image, second operatinginformation, and a second interactive message relating to the seconditem and being pushed by the server, the second two-dimensional codeimage being scannable by a scanning device to acquire second iteminformation relating online to the second item; and a memory coupled tothe at least one processor and configured to provide the at least oneprocessor with instructions.
 14. The portable electronic device asdescribed in claim 13, wherein to display the interactive messagecomprises to: display information presented prior to the displaying ofthe interactive message; and display the interactive message for apredetermined length of time.
 15. A computer program product beingembodied in a tangible non-transitory computer readable storage mediumand comprising computer instructions for: receiving two-dimensional codeinformation sent by a server; receiving operating information sent bythe server; receiving interactive message sent by the server;displaying, using a display, a two-dimensional code image correspondingto the received two-dimensional code information; displaying, using thedisplay, operating information corresponding to the two-dimensional codeimage; displaying, using the display, an interactive message;controlling the displaying of the two-dimensional code image in thedisplay; controlling the displaying of the operating information in thedisplay; and outputting the interactive message to the display.
 16. Thecomputer program product as described in claim 15, wherein thedisplaying of the interactive message comprises: displaying informationpresented prior to the displaying of the interactive message; anddisplaying the interactive message for a predetermined length of time.17. The computer program product as described in claim 15, wherein thereceiving of the two-dimensional code information sent by the servercomprises: connecting with the server through a wire line, andreceiving, using the wire line, a message sent by the server; orconnecting with the server through a wireless communication network, andreceiving, using the wireless communication network, a message sent bythe server.
 18. A computer program product being embodied in a tangiblenon-transitory computer readable storage medium and comprising computerinstructions for: storing communication addresses of a plurality ofclients in a client database; generating and storing two-dimensionalcode information in a presenting information database; generating andstoring operating information in an operating information bank;generating and storing interactive messages in the presentinginformation database; storing correspondences between the plurality ofclients and the two-dimensional code information in a correspondencebank; storing correspondences between the plurality of clients and theoperating information in the correspondence bank; sending thetwo-dimensional code information to the clients based on thecommunication addresses of the clients and the correspondences betweenthe clients and the two-dimensional code information; sending theoperating information to the plurality of clients based on thecommunication addresses of the plurality of clients and thecorrespondences between the plurality of clients and the operatinginformation; and sending, when a preset trigger condition is satisfied,the interactive messages to the plurality of clients based on thecommunication addresses of the plurality of clients and thecorrespondences between the plurality of clients and the interactivemessages.
 19. The computer program product as described in claim 18,wherein the sending of the two-dimensional code information to theplurality of clients comprises: connecting with the plurality of clientsthrough a wire line, and sending, using the wire line, a message to theplurality of clients; or connecting with the plurality of clientsthrough a wireless communication network, and sending, using thewireless communication network, a message to the plurality of clients.